What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver. It can develop after the middle of pregnancy or after birth. Some people feel completely well, so antenatal blood-pressure checks and urine checks remain important even without warning signs.

Swelling of the face or hands that appears suddenly, a severe headache that does not settle, flashing lights or blurred vision, pain under the ribs, heartburn that does not respond to usual measures, nausea, vomiting or unusual breathlessness can signal a need for assessment. These symptoms can have other causes, but they should not be dismissed during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity unit or pregnancy clinician promptly if you notice a warning symptom, even if you are unsure whether it is related. Mention how far along you are, when the symptom started and whether your baby is moving normally. Assessment may include blood pressure, urine, blood tests and monitoring of the baby. Follow the care plan rather than adjusting medicines yourself.

Seek emergency help for severe headache, vision loss or marked vision changes, severe abdominal pain, seizure, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion or sudden severe swelling. If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, the maternity team may recommend close monitoring, medication and planning birth by induction of labour or Caesarean Section when appropriate.

Ask what your blood pressure and urine results show, how often you need monitoring, which symptoms require immediate attendance, and how treatment could affect timing and method of birth.